Own This Pristine, 100-Year-Old Go-Kart

With modern car technology advancing at a staggering pace, it’s nice to see early examples of automotive history, like this 1915 Smith Flyer, still alive and kicking.

Beginning in 1915, the Smith Flyer was built by A.O. Smith Company. Its direct-drive “motor wheel,” a technology that was relatively new for the time, was especially unique in that it was gas powered where previous examples had used electric motors. The 2-hp Briggs & Stratton engine is on a mount hinged to the chassis, allowing it to contact the ground.

According to the selling dealer, this Flyer has been completely restored—which we imagine wouldn’t be too complicated of a task—and has spent its most recent years in collector hands. While the $16,500 asking price is a lot for something that resembles a go-kart with an extra wheel, this car does represent the early days of the automotive industry. It’s cool to see that the notion of a go-kart is one that predates even your grandfather’s era.